Mersey Tunnels Police - Role and Powers

Role and Powers

Mersey Tunnels Police officers hold the office of constable. Unlike most police services in the UK, the service is answerable to the Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive rather than the Home Office. The Executive also appoints the service's officers who are formally sworn in as Police Constables by a Justice of the Peace. As of 2010 the service consisted of around 55 officers across the various ranks. The service's jurisdiction consists of the tunnels themselves, marshaling areas, entrance/exit roads and all Mersey Tunnels premises. Officers execute their duties in accordance with The Mersey Tunnels Bylaws.

The tunnels service have primary responsibility for these areas, meaning they enforce the Mersey Tunnels bylaws and like all other police services the various and relevant UK statute law/legislation although perhaps by the nature of the role primarily the Road Traffic Act. Mersey Tunnels Police officers are the first line responders to any incidents or emergencies within the tunnels or premises although certain incidents and enquiries of a serious nature may be dealt with by Merseyside Police in accordance with local agreements between the two services.